South Africa’s renewable energy market is entering a new phase as Mezzanine and Open Access Energy (OAE) partner to accelerate the adoption of virtual wheeling. By integrating Mezzanine’s Virtual Wheeling Platform into OAE’s Energypro platform, the partnership simplifies renewable energy procurement for corporate energy buyers, independent power producers, and energy traders. The collaboration expands access to clean energy across Eskom- and municipally-connected customers, helping businesses reduce carbon emissions, manage energy costs, and participate in South Africa’s rapidly evolving electricity market.
Category: South Africa News
South Africa News
Powering Beyond the Crisis: Unlocking South Africa’s Economic Revival Through Distributed Energy
South Africa’s energy crisis continues to weigh heavily on economic growth, industrial productivity, and household finances. In this opinion piece, Gerjo Hoffman, CEO of Open Access Energy, argues that distributed renewable energy and private power generation offer the fastest path to economic recovery. By reducing electricity costs, improving energy reliability, and enabling long-term savings through private Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), businesses can regain competitiveness and stimulate GDP growth. The article also highlights the role of financial institutions in accelerating renewable energy investment and calls for urgent regulatory reform to unlock South Africa’s full distributed energy potential.
New Study of 10,000 South African Youth Reveals the Future of Youth Marketing
A new ReachPlayers study surveying 10,000 South Africans aged 13 to 25 reveals major shifts in youth marketing and consumer behaviour. The research shows that young audiences prioritise financial stability, family support, and quality over fame, influencers, and repetitive advertising. While TikTok remains the leading platform for brand discovery, gaming environments generate significantly higher attention and engagement than social media. The findings highlight how brands can better connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha through immersive, participatory experiences that build trust and relevance.
The leadership gap behind Africa’s implementation challenge
Africa’s new Transformative African Leadership (TAL) programme argues that the continent’s biggest development challenge is not policy creation, but implementation. Backed by leading African universities and governance institutions, TAL focuses on building leadership models rooted in Ubuntu, Agenda 2063 and African institutional realities. The programme aims to equip leaders across government, business and civil society to improve policy execution, regional integration and cross-border collaboration under frameworks such as AfCFTA.
From AI to capital expenditure reality: Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 brings procurement-ready tech to Africa’s hospitality sector
Africa’s hospitality sector is accelerating investment in AI, automation and smart infrastructure as hotels prioritize procurement-ready technology with measurable ROI. The Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2026 in Cape Town will connect over 5,000 hospitality professionals with suppliers offering energy management systems, property management platforms, RFID security, automation tools and foodservice solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, sustainability and guest experience.
Climate action key to affordable housing, but buildings decarbonisation stalls
A new report from the United Nations Environment Programme and Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction warns that global buildings decarbonisation is slowing despite rising climate risks and housing affordability pressures. Buildings and construction now account for 37% of global emissions and 28% of energy consumption. The report calls for faster energy-efficiency upgrades, stronger building codes, expanded renewable energy use, and USD 5.9 trillion in investment by 2030 to keep the sector aligned with net-zero climate goals.
Naked launches world-first ChatGPT app for final car insurance quotes
Naked Insurance has launched what it says is the world’s first ChatGPT app capable of delivering final, binding car insurance quotes directly within the AI platform. The South African insurtech company believes AI assistants will transform how consumers compare, manage and purchase financial products in the future.
China’s zero-tariff offer is a test of Africa’s export readiness
China’s new zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries could reshape Africa-China trade, but tariff-free access alone will not guarantee export success. The article examines whether African economies are prepared to meet China’s market demands through stronger logistics, standards compliance, value addition, and regional supply chains under AfCFTA. It argues that Africa’s long-term gains will depend on moving beyond raw commodity exports toward competitive, value-added production that can strengthen industrial growth, jobs, and trade resilience.
Club Med South Africa Signals New Era for Tourism, Investment and Global Travel Demand
Club Med South Africa is set to transform KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism landscape with a major new Beach & Safari Resort expected to boost international travel demand, create jobs, attract investment and strengthen South Africa’s position as a leading global tourism destination. Backed by strong government and private sector collaboration, the development is already generating significant global interest ahead of its official opening.
Uniworld Strengthens South African Presence with Appointment of Divan Viljoen as Sales and Marketing Manager
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises strengthens its South African presence with the appointment of Divan Viljoen as Sales and Marketing Manager. The move highlights rising demand for luxury, experience-driven travel and river cruising among South African travellers, while supporting the brand’s long-term regional growth strategy.